Venezuela’s entire election council resigned today, succumbing to widespread criticism after a general election was postponed because of technical problems. The decision of the five-member board came just hours after President Hugo Chavez’s closest political ally said he hoped the council would facilitate the process of scheduling new elections by stepping down.

Voters were expected to fill more than 6,200 of Venezuela’s public offices, including those of president, congress members, governors, mayors, and local council members. But problems with computer software needed to tabulate votes and register more than 36,000 candidates jeopardized the vote. Election authorities have denied any wrongdoing, saying they were also misled. They blame the Nebraska firm of Election System & Software for the computer problems.